Not long after the three of them went upstairs, a wave of overlapping sounds washed down like a river onto Allen, who sat quietly leaning against the stairs:
Zenith's voice, hoarse with fury.
The dull thuds of knees hitting the floor.
Apologies choked with tears.
Zenith storming out, slamming doors.
The rustling of fabric in a scuffle.
Fists landing on Paul's body.
Rudeus pleading with his mother.
The crest of an emotional outburst, then its calm.
Paul and Lilia's honest confessions and reflections.
Bowed heads, promises for the future.
And finally, Rudeus's quiet voice, asking Zenith to judge them.
Then came silence from upstairs.
Allen unconsciously clenched his hands.
Ten minutes passed.
Zenith began to cry—soft sobs at first, rising into broken wails, then devolving into heart-wrenching screams.
The Greyrat household's infidelity crisis had reached its conclusion.
Zenith…
…chose not to leave.
Allen let out a long breath and returned to the table, pouring himself a glass of water to still his racing heart.
A family drama.
What a ride.
...
By the time the sobs fully quieted, nearly an hour had passed.
During that time, Allen sat uncertainly, puzzled that the system hadn't responded at all. Surely this level of involvement in the affair storyline warranted some kind of score update?
He tried calling the system multiple times—nothing.
Eventually, footsteps echoed on the staircase.
Allen looked up. Lilia was supporting Zenith as they slowly descended. Paul followed behind with a sheepish expression, scratching his head like a man who had barely survived a war. When he caught sight of Allen, even someone as thick-skinned as Paul looked awkward, unsure where to put his eyes.
Straightening his back with forced bravado, he reached out to help support Zenith—
—and was immediately swatted aside by her, eyes still red.
Paul cast a quick glance at Allen, then silently lowered his hand.
His dignity as head of the household? Utterly gone.
Allen chuckled inwardly, then looked up at Zenith. Her eyes were puffy like walnuts. Lilia's weren't much better—guilt written all over her face.
Even if I was able to help Lilia thanks to having foreknowledge… This outcome is insane. They're already bonding like sisters? Zenith really is a saint. Paul's luck in women must span lifetimes.
Shaking his head slightly, Allen reached out to help support Zenith—
But instead of taking his hand, she pulled him into a tight hug.
Allen froze. Completely blanked out. He blinked rapidly, patting Zenith's shoulder in confusion, then glanced helplessly over her shoulder at Rudeus.
Rudeus squinted and smiled.
Still baffled, Allen turned to Paul.
Paul scratched his head, then muttered,
"We told Zenith about what you said earlier… Allen, really—thank you."
Allen blinked, about to mumble some generic deflection.
But then Lilia leaned in too—her arms opened and folded around both Zenith and Allen.
Next came Paul, hesitating for a moment, then awkwardly throwing his arms around the three of them. Seeing that Zenith didn't resist, he let out a sigh of relief.
Rudeus, grinning on the sidelines, gave Allen a wink, poked his arm, and gave him a big thumbs-up.
At last, Zenith's voice trembled out from the center of the group hug.
"…Thank you, Allen. Really… thank you."
Allen's lips tugged upward—but the smile never fully formed.
A strange sensation welled in his chest, dulling his usual instinct to quip or tease.
The last time he'd felt this way was during his reunion with Roxy in the forest.
This feeling—
Complete immersion.
He wasn't just watching a story unfold.
He was in it—part of it—not playing a game, not reading a book.
Surrounded by warmth, held tight by sincerity, Allen felt something swell quietly in his chest.
It took him a moment before he could finally respond.
"…You're welcome."
A system prompt appeared in front of his eyes.
[There is only one road to 20 points—and the host has walked it.]
[You enabled Paul and Lilia's redemption, restored Zenith's dignity, and earned the genuine gratitude of all involved.]
[Evaluation: When the gaps between hearts are mended, the distance between family disappears.]
[Childhood Phase Participation Increased.]
[Current Phase: Childhood – Total Participation Score: 90 Points]
[You seem just one step from perfection—but often, the final step is the greatest chasm.]
[Good luck, host.]
...
In the hours that followed, Allen—still dazed—was thanked in turn by Zenith, Lilia, and Paul. Even Rudeus came over and thumped him lightly on the waist, grinning as he said, "Nicely done, Allen-dono."
But Allen could only drift through it all, like a dream.
That night, deep into the hours after midnight, Allen sat alone at the table, staring at the flickering candlelight.
Before him lay a crumpled letter, the ink faintly gleaming in the firelight.
...
Dear (crossed out)
Dear Allen,
Sorry—I thought I messed up the opening, but I guess I didn't. I don't have fresh stationery, so I'll just keep going on this sheet.
Back to the point.
It's been four months since we parted ways. I've been traveling along the Asura border from Rigait City, and haven't had a proper chance to write. A few days ago, I managed to settle temporarily in the Usul Territory—so I finally have a quiet moment to write this letter.
It's a shame, though. I might not be anywhere stable enough to receive a reply before moving again (crossed out).
Ah… you'd want to write back, wouldn't you? I hope so. Damn it—I started writing without a plan, and now there's only one page. So I guess I'll just keep going like this.
Next, I plan to pass through the Red Dragon's Lower Jaw and head toward the dungeons near the Dragon King Mountains. Don't worry, I won't enter the conflict zones—there's no need to worry… You would worry, right? If not, just ignore that part.
Speaking of the Lower Jaw, I hear that the broadleaf forests around there turn brilliant red and gold in the autumn. They say the leaves ripple like fire beneath the peaks. It reminded me of when I met you in the forest—the leaves were green then, but in the campfire's glow, they looked just as beautiful.
I imagine the Red Dragon's Jaw will have scenes like that too.
I'll collect a few leaves for you when I pass through.
Today's date is… let's see—September 30th. I wonder if this letter will reach you in time for your birthday.
Your tenth birthday. Heh. Funny how I keep forgetting how young you really are.
Enclosed with this letter is a birthday gift. When Rudeus turned five, I gave him a wand. When we parted, I gave him a protective charm. But when it came to you… I hesitated for a long time. I had no idea what to give.
So… I just bought something from a roadside merchant—a magic stone necklace. It's not like Rudeus's red wand stone. This one is blue.
I figured you might like blue.
Though the craftsmanship isn't great… the threading's uneven, and the artisan clearly lacked skill. Still, it was the best I could find. Please don't mind the flaws.
I feel like I have so much to say, but now that I've started writing, the words won't come out.
Allen,
How have you been lately?
When I find somewhere to settle down, I'll write again.
And maybe by then… you'll write me back?
—Roxy
Allen reread the letter for what must've been the hundredth time since the postman brought it.
Slumped over the table, he reached into his shirt and pulled out a necklace.
A jagged blue mana stone gleamed faintly in the candlelight, wrapped in a net of tough, wiry fibers from a plant called stinging flax. Though crude in style, it shimmered with a cold, gentle glow.
It reminded him of Roxy's deep blue eyes.
The craftsmanship really is a bit rough… Could she have made it herself? Didn't say so because she was embarrassed? But in the original, she never lied in letters. Always stated things plainly… Must really have been the craftsman.
He held up the stone, watching it refract the flame into arcs of light.
Immersion… The only times I've truly felt immersed were from the butterfly effects. Not the canon events.
Zenith's tearful embrace… Paul's heartfelt gratitude…
He let the necklace fall back against his chest, then reached into the drawer and pulled out a sheet of paper.
In neat English letters, he wrote three lines:
「The Great Teleportation」
「Zenith Trapped」
「Paul Dies」
His gray eyes stared at the words, flickering with shifting light.
Night deepened.
...
A few days later, the snow stopped.
The aftermath of the infidelity incident gave rise to a new ripple of butterfly effects.
Because part of Paul's vow of redemption included staying home that winter—keeping Zenith and Lilia company through their pregnancies. Turns out, even in this world of swords and magic, early pregnancies carried risks—especially after the emotional storm Zenith had endured.
So Paul didn't join the usual post-snowfall monster hunts. He stayed home instead.
And just days after the thaw—Allen's birthday arrived.
In the Asura Kingdom, birthdays at five, ten, and fifteen were especially significant. So with quiet coordination between Zenith and Lilia, the Greyrats prepared a rather grand celebration.
Honestly, when Allen stepped out of his room that morning and saw the cheerful atmosphere, he was completely baffled.
Only when the festivities began that night did he realize they were all for him.
And why was it "grand"?
Because after so many days of snow, the house was almost out of supplies—but Paul still managed to have Laws track down a few tasty magical beasts, then spent hours slow-cooking them into a stew.
After dinner, Paul tried to rope Allen into a "duel performance," which Allen rejected with a look of horror. So Paul instead danced around the room in a goofy jig, making even the recently tearful Zenith and Lilia burst out laughing.
Rudeus joined in too, weaving little fire spells in the air to liven things up.
In that warm, slightly chaotic atmosphere, Allen received birthday gifts from the adults.
Paul gave him a polished sword hilt—taken from a blade he'd used in his old adventuring days. Sentimental, he claimed. He hoped Allen would one day become a capable adventurer.
Rudeus muttered, "Probably just last-minute and didn't have time to shop…"
And promptly got scolded by Paul.
Zenith presented a finely made swordsman's tunic. The stitching was a bit rushed, but the fabric was of excellent quality.
As for Lilia… as a maid, it seemed she felt she had no right to give gifts in such a setting. She simply sat quietly to the side, smiling as Allen awkwardly accepted the clothes and got dragged into a hug by Zenith.
It's worth noting—since being truly accepted into the family, and thanks to Zenith's insistence, Lilia was no longer treated as "just" a maid. She now dined at the same table as everyone else.
That night, as Allen fumbled helplessly in Zenith's hug, Lilia lowered her gaze with a soft smile and looked away from his silent plea for help.
She gently rubbed her belly, thinking quietly to herself.
Allen only shows this flustered side on days like this… He's usually so composed.
Now that I think about it… he often looked cold and distant whenever I stared at Paul. Probably disdained me for getting involved with a married man.
And yet, when the moment came, it was Allen who spoke up first. It was Allen who saved me.
Like a dream… Harsh as his words were—calling out my cowardice, my selfishness—he didn't insult me. He didn't push me out. He gave me a second chance.
A chance to save myself… and to save this family.
And Rudeus… He helped guide me to take that final step.
The Greyrat children really are far more mature than their years.
But there's no doubt—Allen and Rudeus saved me and my unborn child. I used to resent Rudeus. Allen's gaze used to make me uncomfortable. But now?
They're both people I respect. People I owe everything to.
Lilia watched as Allen reached out to grab Rudeus, only for Rudeus to duck away with a laugh.
She smiled warmly.
If it's a girl, I'll have her serve Allen one day. There's no direct bloodline… If it's a boy, I'll have him follow Rudeus—to become his sword and shield.
On the night of Allen's birthday, as Paul and Zenith passed him back and forth like a beloved doll, Lilia was already planning for the future.
...
The celebration lasted until midnight.
Eventually, Allen escaped Paul's drunken clinginess and returned to his room under the gentle gazes of Zenith and Lilia.
But as the door shut behind him, the smile on his face slowly faded.
"Sleep early tonight, Allen~" came Zenith's voice from the hallway.
He leaned against the door and answered,
"Okay~"
Her footsteps receded.
Allen moved to the table, pulling from the drawer a notepad he'd been reviewing every night.
The candlelight flickered on his face.
Finally, as the wax neared its end, Allen picked up his pen and added a line beneath:
「The Great Teleportation」
「Zenith Trapped」
「Paul Dies」
New line:
「Let go of savior complex. Respect the role of fate.」
The candle died.
Darkness swallowed the room.
Thick, suffocating darkness, like a beast ready to devour him.
No telling how long passed…
Then—
A short, mocking laugh broke the silence.
It was sharp. Bitter.
Then silence again.
Allen lit a new candle.
As the flame sprang to life, he whispered aloud:
"Let go of the savior complex? Respect fate?"
"…Hypocrisy."
He picked up the pen again and crossed out the previous line.
Wrote something new.
Just three characters:
「Future Sight.」
With that, Allen let out a long breath, the tension of days finally releasing from his shoulders.
He slumped into his chair, tilting his head back to stare at the ceiling.
The candlelight danced across his face, casting shadows that concealed his expression.
Outside the window—
Snow began to fall again.